An old English sheepdog only 20 months old was picked as the runner-up on the green carpet of the Garden. Swagger the sheepdog drew the most cheers, but judge Michael Dougherty picked Banana Joe.

“He was presented in immaculate manner,” Dougherty praised. “He was on the minute he walked in. … He's in perfect condition, perfect body.”

Also in the best-of-seven final ring were a German wirehaired pointer ranked as the nation's No. 1 show dog, an American foxhound, a Portuguese water dog, a bichon frise and a smooth fox terrier.

Lara kept hoisting Banana Joe after he became the first affenpinscher to win at the country's premier dog show. The playful pooch enjoys tugging at his squeaky mouse toy – now this champion from the toy group can put it in the prized silver bowl he won.